A Poulton businessman is to take part in the Great North Run next month to raise money for a charity, ten years after his dad died from a devastating disease.

Julian Murray is aiming to raise £2,000 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association after his dad, Peter, died from the disease in September 1998.

The disease, which is always terminal, causes a progressive weakness of many of the muscles in the body leaving people unable to walk, talk or eat.

Julian, 37, and business partner Nigel Raynor, 38, will tackle the half marathon in Newcastle upon Tyne on October 5.

“My dad died when he was just 62 after a three-year battle with this disease,” said Julian, who runs Millenium Concert Travel in Poulton with Nigel.

“To commemorate the 10th anniversary of his death, I wanted to do something to remember and honour him as well as raising money for a very valuable cause.

“My dad provided a lot of help and support for me and Nigel when we were setting up Millenium Concert Travel and we thought it was about time to give something back.

“MND is a horrible disease so we want to do all we can.”

The pair set themselves a target of raising £2,000 for the charity.

With just two weeks to go until the run, both Julian and Nigel have been training at least three times a week.

Julian, of Hardhorn Road in Poulton, added: “We’ve been doing a 16-week training programme to make sure we’re right for it, but it’s getting pretty tough now.

“We are aiming for a time of two hours and we reckon we will be pretty close to that.

“I’m just glad Nigel has decided to do the run with me, it can be lonely on your own and this way we can push each other on and encourage each other to keep going.”

To sponsor the pair for the Great North Run visit the website www.justgiving.com/millenium